Sashiko Visible Mending & Embellishment

This workshop will highlight the act of mending and garment embellishment with Sashiko Japanese Embroidery. With humble beginnings in rural Japan, Sashiko’s running stitch insulated work garments for warmth and longevity. Moving into contemporary times around the globe, the bold, geometric beauty of Sashiko continues to both strengthen and decorate fabrics.

Students will learn how to patch and repair a rip or hole, reinforce a worn area, and prepare their distressed textile in order to draw a Sashiko pattern of their choice. Participants will employ the “small stabs” Sashiko stitching technique to repair or embellish their project! Bring in a couple items from home to assess for mending or decorating. Areas to repair should be no larger than four inches. Denim looks amazing with Sashiko stitching. Medium-weight, woven fabrics work well; such as cotton or linen shirts, pants, skirts or dresses. Cotton and linen home goods are also fun to mend. Please no sweaters, knits, shiny, silky, nor stretchy fabrics. Denim with a bit of Spandex is fine.

All tools and materials are provided: Sashiko needles, colorful threads, patches, and take home pattern instructions.

All skill levels welcome from novice to veteran hand stitchers! Please be sure to wear your good reading glasses. Bring your own water bottle, hot beverage, and snack or lunch to sustain you while stitching!